Kenya Probes Mystery Elephant Deaths in Amboseli

Kenyan wildlife authorities are investigating the deaths of 15 elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem after preliminary laboratory tests detected a possible toxic substance in samples collected from several of the animals.

The elephants died between June 24 and July 24 in Amboseli National Park, Kimana Sanctuary and the Kuku Ranch area, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Officials said the deaths prompted an extensive investigation involving wildlife experts, veterinarians and laboratory scientists to determine the cause of the incident.

KWS said 10 of the elephants displayed similar symptoms, including partial paralysis that left them unable to stand before dying within one or two days. Most of the affected animals were adult females and calves, while only one adult male was among the confirmed deaths. The agency said it could not establish the cause of death for the remaining five elephants because the carcasses had decomposed significantly or had been scavenged before examinations could be completed.

Preliminary analysis by the University of Nairobi identified a possible toxic substance in tissue samples. However, officials said further testing is needed to determine the concentration, significance and source of the substance. Initial tests conducted by the government chemist did not detect the toxins first suspected, leading investigators to broaden the search for other contaminants.

Authorities are also examining water sources and environmental samples across the affected areas to determine whether the elephants were exposed to a common source of contamination. KWS said there is currently no evidence that the incident poses a risk to human health, adding that the condition appears to be limited to the affected elephants while investigations continue.

SOURCE: Reuters